Sunday, August 30, 2015

Watch Where Your Walking !

The Great  Egret is my first at Quabbin. I did catch glimpse of one several years back but this one although distant, provided a nice color contrast. I stumbled upon this while waiting for several bobcat track casts to dry.
I located these bobcat tracks while hiking on Friday. This is my first attempt at casting a track. I am  very pleased with the results. Should make for a good conversation piece
Also found a pretty seasoned skull and a painted turtle shell.
The smell of wild grapes was in the air!

Jim

Friday, August 28, 2015

Loon Behavior

What a beautiful day to put some miles on the ole' hiking boots. I would of never expected two separate Loon experiences while sitting on the reservoir shoreline enjoying a snack.
The first encounter  although distant, was a turf battle. A mature loon infringed on the territory of a family of loons with two chicks. Watching them through my binoculars, I was surprised to see two Loons chasing each other using there wings to propel themselves.
When the pursuer would catch the intruder, it appeared to be very physical. What amazed me was this chase went on for about a quarter of a mile. I couldn't imagine the energy expelled with this encounter.
 Looking down the shoreline there was a  muddy area that caught my eye. My first thoughts were that maybe I could find a bear track. Unfortunately no bear track to be found, but there was a decent track of a bobcat.
I was so focused on getting a picture of the bobcat track, I never saw the family of Loons slip into the cove behind me. Until ! there  enchanting call  startled me.
I was hoping to get a picture with getting a little closer to them. When the adults would dive I would take a few steps closing the distance.
The adults  did  catch two fish while in the cove. The chicks waste no time in grabbing the fish from the adult Loons .
Not sure on the bird above....... Some type of Piper
Jim

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Quiet Pursuit

I followed this family of deer this morning for a short while. It was a challenge to keep up and attempt to walk quietly.
No doubt they were aware I was following.
Somewhat out of focus ! Guess I blew it !! This was close. Oh well maybe next tine.
Jim


Sunday, August 16, 2015

Busy Day At Quabbin

Watching

dawn set in and the fog burn off hoping to find a moose . Not to be today.
I am convinced no matter where you are in the woods, you are being watched. This morning at first light ole' Mr Bull Frog was keeping a watchful eye.
I started down a power-line cut and looked up and this guy was watching me.
Enjoyed the afternoon at Quabbin with my wife, She read while I watched the sky. No eagles but this yellow plane was watching us.
We did hear and see a pair of loons with one chick.
DCR boat towing a rental .

Jim



Saturday, August 8, 2015

Nice Hiking Today

No doubt the bears have been visiting the blueberry patches . The ole' boots put some miles on this morning hoping to bump into the owner of this scat pile.
This Chipmunk was enjoying its breakfast with the warmth of the first suns rays.

When you stop for  moment and look around its amazing what might see. This Coopers Hawk was watching the forest floor.

Jim